"The United States - Korea Free Trade Agreement is a historic and significant opportunity for U.S. agriculture that will create new export opportunities for farmers and ranchers. Nearly $2 billion worth of U.S. farm exports to Korea will become duty-free immediately, and market access will be expanded for beef, pork and poultry, among other commodities.

"While the agreement includes many beneficial provisions for U.S. agricultural products, I am confident in saying that it will not be ratified unless Korea opens its market to U.S. beef in accordance with science-based international guidelines."

Improved Market Access for U.S. Agricultural Producers:

Korea is our sixth largest U.S. export market. The United States is the chief agricultural exporter to Korea at $3.2 billion despite Korea's average agricultural tariff rate at 52 percent.

Almost two-thirds of current U.S. farm exports to Korea, $1.91 billion worth (2004-2006 average), will become duty-free immediately under the Korea free trade agreement - chiefly, wheat, corn, soybeans for crushing, as well as hides and skins, cotton, wine, cherries, pistachios, almonds, and other products.